Norway: Breathtaking Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Take the time to discover the joys of Bergen before embarking on the Norwegian coastal explorer. This Hanseatic city boasts a charming harbour and the streets of the UNESCO listed Bryggen wharf are a delight to explore. Brightly-coloured, wooden buildings fringe the hillsides and a journey on the funicular railway to the summit of Mount Fløyen offers unparalleled views of the fjords. In the evening our Norwegian fjords cruise sets sail for Hjeltefjord as we follow the route of the Vikings to the Shetland Islands.

Today the Norwegian fjords cruise weaves between pretty islands and skerries that line the route to Ålesund.

Enjoy a guided tour of Ålesund and witness the charming fishing port of Brosundet and Apotekertorget Square. Visit the Jugendstilsenteret museum to discover the area’s intriguing history and to gain an insight into the background of the Art Nouveau town and its fairytale charm. The tour lasts 2 hours.

In the summer the Norwegian fjords cruise proceeds to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord.

The Old Royal City of Trondheim is bursting with many great sites such as the neo-Gothic Gamle Bybrua (Old Town Bridge), prominent Nidaros Cathedral which dates back to 1070 and the Rococo-style Stiftsgården. The Norwegian fjords cruise begins its voyage to Rørvik firstly passing the Kjeungskjær lighthouse, rocky islands and Stokksund.

As we head towards the stunning Lofoten Islands on our Norwegian fjords cruise, look out for the famous globe between Ørnes and Nesna which indicates the crossing of the Arctic Circle. Travellers crossing the Arctic Circle for the first time can partake in the optional Baptism by Njord which consists of an ice cube down your front or back! In the evening the Norwegian fjords cruise arrives at the Lofoten Islands, Svolvær, which comprise tiny fishing villages. Spend some time ambling among the renowned red fisherman huts.

The ship negotiates the Raftsund strait during the night and following a brief stop at Harstad, our Norwegian fjords cruise continues to Tromsø. This Arctic capital is the biggest town inside the Arctic Circle and abounds with a rich history.

On a two-hour guided tour of Tromsø we explore Polaria, an insightful museum and aquarium which tells the secrets of Svalbard. Watch a film about the impressive Arctic wilderness and let it take you on a journey through breathtaking scenery. The tour also stops at the imposing Arctic Cathedral which is an architectural work of art and an illustrious landmark.

As the Norwegian fjords cruise sails through Magerøysund, we stop at Hammerfest before reaching the port of Honningsvåg, more familiarly known as the ‘gateway to the North Cape’.

On an escorted tour we intersect the 71st parallel en route to the North Cape where you can stand atop the plateau which emerges a remarkable 307 metres from the Arctic Ocean. The tour also includes a trip to the North Cape Hall where a panoramic film teaches you about the continent’s most northerly point. The duration of the tour is 3 hours.

Kirkenes is the final destination on the voyage north of the Norwegian fjords cruise. We take an escorted tour of the town before embarking a bus that drives us through lush landscapes. Admire the diverse and dramatic scenery before we stop at Storskog, the border post that lies between Russia and Norway. After travelling to the mining district of Bjørnevatn, we head for Pasvikdalen which is inhabited by Norway’s largest population of brown bears. Our 2-hour guided tour returns to Kirkenes, stopping at Prestfjellet Mountain along the way. Soak up the inspiring vistas which overlook the town below.

Enjoy breakfast at the North Cape and learn about Sámi life when we visit a traditional family home. Next, the Norwegian fjords cruise sails to the Stone Age settlement of Hammerfest which still plays an integral part as a fishing port. See the Meridian Column which honours the first exact measurement of the globe. The Norwegian fjords cruise brings us to Tromsø later in the day where you can enjoy a Midnight Concert at the Arctic Cathedral.

Prior to reaching today’s highlights, the Norwegian fjords cruise navigates the Risøyrenna channel, an ‘inside route’ between Sortland and Harstad.

Take an escorted sightseeing tour of Harstad, visit the medieval church at Trondenes and explore the Historical Centre. A bus tour across Hinnøya Island presents fabulous views of fjords, farmland and soaring mountains. Relax on board a ferry across Gullesfjord and indulge in delicious cakes and a hot drink. Our journey continues to Sortland where we rejoin the Norwegian fjords cruise. The duration of the tour is 4 hours and 15 minutes.

At Stokmarkness, take advantage of the free entrance to the Hurtigruten Museum. Weather and time permitting, we will take a diversion on our voyage between Vesteralen and the Lofoten Islands to the magnificent Trollfjord. Finally, we arrive at Svolvær before commencing towards Stamsund where you can observe the immense Lofoten Wall. The Norwegian fjords cruise departs for the mainland in the evening.

An early morning rise will be rewarded with beautiful panoramas of pretty islets, fertile farmland and sheer granite cliffs. As we make our return Arctic crossing we can witness the legendary peaks of the Seven Sisters. The Norwegian fjords cruise sails past the Vega Acrhipelago, close to Sandnessjøen.

Take a historic journey through Trondheim on a guided city walk. Visit the Stiftsgården and the market square where the statue of King Olav Tryggvason can be found. As you cross over the bridge to Bakklandet you are presented with eye-catching wooden architecture. We stop at ‘Utsikten’ for fabulous views of the city. See the impressive Gothic Nidaros Cathedral. The tour lasts 2 hours.

The Norwegian fjords cruise sails among the Hitra and Munkholmen islands to Molde. Arrive at Kristiansund which can be found on the Atlantic Road.

Before this spectacular Norwegian fjords cruise concludes in the City of Seven Mountains, Bergen, absorb the mighty Nordfjord which is situated below the Jostedalsbreen glacier, Sognfjord and Bergen Archipelago.